Munster 16; Leinster 15
Yes, it was a Leinster second team and yes referee Frank Murphy only seemed to ref one team (Leinster) at the breakdown, but even so this was a victory to remember for Munster who spoiled their opponents dream of a double with this late, late victory at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening.
What was most refreshing from an Irish point of view was the way that Graham Rowntree's played a brilliant brand of attacking rugby which in many ways out-leinstered Leinster in the process.
They now have booked their place in the BKT United Rugby Championship final, and while they will be outsiders against the Stormers (who easily beat Connacht in the other semi-final) in Cape Town where the final is being held, they have shown before they can go there and win.
Leinster will now turn their attention on Saturday when they face La Rochelle in the Champions Cup final, hoping for revenge for last year’s late defeat at the hands of Ronan O’Gara’s team.
On Saturday after both sides had threatened to take the laurels, it was Jack Crowley drop goal in the final few minutes which brought joy to the huge traveling red support in the 27,000 plus attendance.
Munster showed a great attitude all through and turned down several penalties to kick instead to the corner in favor of seeking tries. However aside from Tadhg Beirne's touch down on 46 minutes, they were wasteful and handling eros saw them fail to get any other try despite constantly being in the Leinster 22.
Their opponents looked to have soaked up all their best efforts and with tries from Jason Jenkins and Joe McCarthy, it looked like they might get to the finish line ahead.
But a missed conversion by Conor Frawley meant they were only two points ahead going into the final minutes and Crowley showed nerves of steel to take Craig Casey’s quick pass and drop the goal that won the game.
